Which brings us to each year’s communal celebration of the passing of our lifetimes:

New Year’s Eve

So what did you “actually get done” in the past year? How closer are you to a grand goal in life? An assessment is made and then the inevitable Step 2 of the yearly process is engaged, which is often a word for word repeat of last year’s Step 2:

The New Year’s Resolution

There seem to be two main strategies that emerge at this point of facing the New Year, a “brand new morning.” The lone wolf quietly acknowledges goals not yet reached, and is even more secretive in the “new plan.” “I’ll show them,” becomes the new private mantra. It works for some people, but my experience has been that I’m splurging on Star Wars memorabilia by Valentine’s Day.

I’ve found that rather than making secret contracts with myself, a much higher success rate is always achieved as a combination of two other elements.

Pablo Picasso

To a truly worthy vision, maybe even one that cannot be achieved in a year, but in a lifetime, is just the sort of quest that engages the starving soul so much more than the common shaving a few digits off of the weight scale. (I personally implemented the "no cookie left behind" program this holiday season so I might want to think about that one too.) But the truth is, New Year’s comes but once a year. It would seem better to me to go big or not at all. Pick projects of real importance in your life – ones that require the more personal attention and dedication to the better.

Should not be a dirty word in the strategies of personal achievement. It has been my experience that the more genuinely useful support I’ve received from the like-minded (as well as the merely curious) has always gone a long way to keeping my Big Picture from faltering. When the potholes in the road forward begin to resemble archeological digs, as it seems they usually do, there’s nothing more heartening in being able to take it all in stride than a word of admiration, advice or encouragement from a fellow dA community member.

In his book "Outliers" Malcolm Gladwell outlines the 10,000-Hour Rule, the thought being that spending ten thousand hours practicing a particular discipline is necessary for mastery of that skill. He also brings up the importance of support in the from family, friends, and mentors in the ultimates success of an individual. No one achieves the highest summit's of success alone. No one. Even the most unique vision requires the nurture of human camaraderie if it is to be developed to it's fullest potential and efficacy.

I find myself thinking about recent achievements as well as a grand vision currently in formation here at deviantART, and how much the atmosphere of this community – how much dedication to art and artists, and how much they are supported and support each other – and I can’t wait to see where life will take all of us in this new year. A tough statement to put out there, considering the unbearable horrors that have recently rained down in our world from weather catastrophes, classroom atrocities, civil wars and the violence related to a radically altered political landscape around the world. But it’s true. I am still hopeful. I am still ready to rededicate my dreams on New Year’s Eve. I’m not sure I’d be making that statement were I not now ensconced and engaged in the deviantART community. But as Kurt Vonnegut used to say, “So it goes.”

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For the Reader

1.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?

2.

Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?

3.

What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?

4.

What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?

5.

Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?

6.

Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?

7.

More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?

New Year's resolutions are often secret and private -- a contract made with yourself. But what if you could increase the chance of your resolution becoming a success by incorporating a combination of two other important elements: discipline and success.

1.Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?no, just no, because nothey just bring disaster anyway, lets not push it is my new idea behind not making any

2.Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?it becomes something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?ones that claim control over happiness and success, as if it is in your own hands...

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?kinda in the answer above...

5.Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?redefine happiness and success, take it from another angle, or just not make resolution anymore..

6.Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?taking classes!

7.More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?follow the fun

1.Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?no, just no, because nothey just bring disaster anyway, lets not push it is my new idea behind not making any

2.Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?it becomes something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?ones that claim control over happiness and success, as if it is in your own hands...

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?kinda in the answer above...

5.Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?redefine happiness and success, take it from another angle, or just not make resolution anymore..

6.Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?taking classes!

7.More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?follow the fun

2. Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?ummm im not sure, never really tried that.

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?to tell the guy i have a crush on how much i like him (this years resolution) and to actually be five feet tall (im a miget)

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?to be five feet tall

5. Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?yah, it feels good when you actually do one of them and they end successful

6. Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?itspretty much talking to people about what they liked and didnt like about my art and asking for suggestions or ideas. and its also pushing yourself to do better or try something new, getting out of your comfort zone.

7. More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?to do your best, i am one of those artists and i try to stay at the top of my game. making deadlines for art helps. if you are writing stories make a deadline for when the next chapter should come, but if you are busy just do it in your spare time. i try to have certain things done, even though i have to juggle school and work at home to do. as long as you have fun, its cool~!

Q: Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not? A: No, I usually make mine in May-April, June if I'm being really lazy. It's mostly because I'm more likely to keep it if I'm not swamped with distractions like school, taxes, and family things (for whatever reason spring is the busiest time of the year for my family). Doing it this way, I've managed to keep my resolutions, even if I alter them a little on the way.

Q: Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?A: Depends on the goal. Some things I've resolved to do just couldn't be shared.

Q: What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?A: Find a way to win the lottery. (-_-')

Q: What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?A: To gather the courage to wear a bikini (or anything belly showing) in a public place.

Q: Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?A: Definitely, you can't get there if you quit.

1 - Sometimes. It depends on how many goals are on my to-do list. This year I didn't make any because I still have some from last year that I have to realize.

2 - It depends on the goal, but in most cases, yes. Especailly if it is something that has to do with (traditional) art, I feel bad because I was not able to do it completely myself, that's why I do such stuff mostly without any help. If it has to do with level design/mapping and level editing, help is welcome though since it is a more technical "art-style" (officially not considered art where I am from though, an opinion, which I simply refuse accept, it's just as much art as any other form of 3-dimensional art. That it is made for a game doesn't matter to me, infact I consider that harder because you have to create pretty visuals with good gameplay while pure 3D art is "just" about the visuals and composition). Bugs MUST be found before the project hits its final stage or people will be angry and for that kind of bughunting I have a certian set of testers which I met through the mapping/level designing scene. If it is traditional art, it would not feel as if I accomplished it myself, I prefer the privacy of the "development stage" until it is finished and usually only then show off what I have made to ask for feedback to try again later (which is part of the discipline question below (6)).

3 - That is private, but I never really expected that it would work anyway as this is not within my powers.

4 - It has to do with 3.

5 - Since I am stubborn, yes. If something doesn't work out as I wanted it to, I give it a new try and redraw it from scratch! In fact, I first wanted to directly draw my drawing of the Christmas Girl in my gallery without investing too much time in a sketch so I drew a skeleton and then the simple shapes - but then I accidentally smeared it and so I decided: "Whatever, this is just a sketch, next one will be the real thing" and the next one was the real thing (at the moment just lineart though, f I mess that one up, I'll retry it again and again and again).

6 - Basically what I have mentioned at the end of answer 2. Additionally to that, I increase the level of difficulty gradually with every picture and I do that with different art styles and directions to expand my knowledge and to be flexible. If something doesn't work, I'll try again and again and again. I'm a stubborn person in that manner and don't give up until I get to create what I wanted to create. If people give negative feedback, I will try to do better next time or even remake the picture from scratch, if I start to dislike it myself.

7 - I suggest to try out what your limits are, this is important otherwise you won't be able to properly plan how to manage everything and you should also give art directions a go of which you previously thought "this is lame" or that didn't interest you at all. You might rediscover art that way and gain experience on a broader range. You will eventually even find out that a certain art style that you might have not even considered before is your strenght and you might fall in love with this art, one, that you can finish fast and with a pretty result which you are satisfied with. If private life gets in the way of the artist life, you might have to make a proper time schedule and if there is little spare-time left, try it with an "art day", for example on the weekend when you sit down and just draw.

1-yes2-it depends on who is helping and how they are "helping". 3-to get into a very good masters program. also, to form an institution bent on encouraging activism in art and an anti-anger/violence/hatred art movement. the later seems far fetched right now, but I'm sure I'll learn how to do it better as I work towards it.4-to read more books5-yes, I think it's super important to forgive yourself and rekindle a belief in yourself6-If you have an idea, don't just do one painting and move on to the next, do a series of pieces. It helps bring context and conveys importance. also, "kill your darlings", stripping myself bare and starting over is something I do every so often to strengthen the concepts in individual pieces and in my direction as a whole. 7-drawing something, anything, daily helps to get in the art zone. don't become a fanatic about it though, I actually got tendinitis from being too strict about that and pushing myself to hard. I guess I would say to just do what you are able to do, and listen to your body. if you make a resolution to do a speed paint everyday, but your hands/arms are telling you no, then stop.Happy New Year!!!!

1. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?I don't normally, because it seems like a waste of my time. If I decide to do something ahead of time, it never gets done, so most decisions to lose weight or something like that are spur of the moment

2. Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?The more the merrier I always say, instead of forcing myself to do something, I force my friends to do it with me and it becomes more fun than tedious.

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?Upload more on DeviantART. Lol, I know it's terrible, but I'm in the last few stages of high school so I'm trying to focus on getting my work done and getting into my colleges of choice.

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?Eh, see the answer above.

5. Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?Well, I try every year, and I seem to get better at it every time I try. One of these days though I'll make it a regular thing.

6. Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?No music. No internet. No Books. I know lots of people find inspiration in music and the like but it's a distraction. Sit in a room by yourself and remove as many distractions from your field of vision as possible and get started.

7. More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?I know this doesn't help but find your own balance. I learn easily and my teachers know that, so for most of the class period I sit and draw after they know I've gotten the concept. That won't work for everyone, so maybe you can set aside some time just for drawing, writing, painting, etc.

1. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?Generally no, cause I can't think of any that I really think I would see through Plus you don't have to make a New Year's resolution to make changes throughout your year ^^

2. Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?I think it makes it more memorable in lots of ways, but there can be satisfaction in making something happen with just your strength Just depends on the situation I guess

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?Hmmm that's tough XD I can't really remember, cause I haven't made one in several years, and I forget stuff easy. Another reason not to do the resolution things. I would just conveniently forget haha

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?Hmm actively going out of my way to lose weight, like getting more exercise, dieting and stuff like that. I have no will power XD Maybe I should make a resolution to fix that?

5. Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?Yes, if you have a goal than you should strive for it You just have to recognize when you would be hurting yourself too much to reach your goals, and possibly lose more than you gain. There is always a place someone should draw the line.

6. Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?Hmm I don't think I really have one at the moment XD I guess I try to take my time, and look my work over before moving onto the next step. I also ask for lots of input from others, since a fresh perspective can really help your work.

7. More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?Just remember not to let yourself become too overwhelmed, and learn to take a breather once in a while Become good at time management and self-discipline. Ahh if only I followed my own advice more often

1). I do make New Year's resolutions. I have made terrible decisions long before and resolutions make me feel that I can redeem myself.

2). It depends on how my friends helped or supported me. If they did it by doing something I could have done for myself it diminishes it but if they just gave me words of encouragement, reminders, or helped me with things I could not do on my own then it makes reaching the goal more memorable and special.

3). I do not remember the most farfetched resolution I have ever made.

4). My yearly resolution that still has never been achieved is to make a business with my art.

5). It does help to rededicate to a cause. Every time a person fails to reach her goal she learns what else not to do next time

6). To bring my work to the next level I experiment and look at the works of others. When looking at the works of others I decide which works are better than mine and make works that compete with them or I may see works that inspire me to make more art which gives me more practice.

7). When balancing multiple responsibilities along with creative endeavors time management is most important. It is best to get the other responsibilities out of the way so that you can fully focus on your artistic goals when you take time out to work on them.

No. Because I think that self work should be a constant effort, and giving yourself the "Crutch" of "I'll get to it next year", or "This Time..." etc. seems to do more harm than good. I am this year trying to do a 365 Day Challenge... but I don't consider that a "Resolution" just a well timed project. You may have your own interpretations.

2. Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?

Neither. A Goal Accomplished is a goal accomplished. If you succeeded, kudos. If you needed/wanted help for it, then that's what it took, and congrats on that realization.

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?

I'm sure I had some whoppers when I was younger... but I don't recall any of them.

5. Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?

I think it depends on the cause. If you are trying to improve something, it's almost always good to keep trying to improve. With a re-dedication though should also come a reevaluation to see if your current methods are likely to succeed where they have not in the past, and to improve upon them if they aren't.

6. Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?

Unfortunately, I haven't "Succeeded" in bringing my art to the next level. But I am now trying a "Do it regardless of whether you 'Feel It' Approach". We'll see if this is successful.

7. More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?

I am one of those. All I can say is that if you truly want something, there will not alway be time for it. Period. That's the way of life. You've created a system for your life that works for your currently existing elements. To add something to that structure will take work, and change, and it won't necessarily be easy. It may even require giving something else up. It is up to you to decide how much you "Want" this, and make changes accordingly.

1. I do. I don't always remember what they are, and I usually have a hard time coming up with things. All the same I think about things I want to accomplish, and for a couple of years I've been posting them on my blogs.

2. Definitely not. When people are there to support you, they're also there to celebrate the success! Plus, it's so much easier to let things slide when you don't have people checking in on you. A friend showed me this really awesome site: SupperBetter, that helps you track your goals and recruit friends. Granted it's like any other tool, it only works when you utilize it.

3. Honestly I don't remember.

4. Posting on a regular schedule. I'm getting better, but it still needs work.

5. Yes, it does help to rededicate oneself. You refresh in your mind what it was you wanted to do, and why you wanted to do it, which can help bring back the momentum. Particularly, look into the why and see if anything about this cause/goal has changed and what you would like to change about it. For example: drawing in charcoal everyday, maybe you've learned you don't really like charcoal and after discovered ink you find you really love ink. The goal could change to drawing in ink everyday. Or maybe drawing in a different medium everyday to expand your horizons.

6. Drawing exercises. Swapping challenges with friends. Breathing exercises to calm me down from the fear of trying something new (I tend to be afraid of ruining something).

7. Dedicate some time to your art. Make it a priority. Look at the things you do everyday, is there something that you could cut out (like Facebook/tv)? Is there something you do that you can also include your art (like drawing while watching tv or at a restaurant with friends waiting for food)? If you have kids, set up an activity day where they can work on arts and crafts too. If you have a messy place and need to get that organized, try something like UFYH (this site is described as "Terrifying motivation for lazy people with messy homes" and has a lot of profanity, but is still super awesome with tips and stories from other people who have messy houses too). They use a 20/10 system (20 min work, 10 min break). Applied to art you could do 20 min art, 10 min of something else. Or if you really feel the cleaning is higher on the priority, 20 min cleaning, 10 min of art....

I never make New Year’s resolutions. The reason for this is that there's nothing special about New Year’s Eve. People who think about their goals in life only once a year are bound to fail, because real improvement requires constant effort. I prefer to have my goals in mind all the time.

1. No, I don't make New Year's resolutions. Why? Well, the journal explains it better. I rather take one or three tasks and concentrate on them, rather than a list of things I know I won't be able to accomplish. I'm not a multi-task person. I do one thing at a time, but whatever that "thing" is, I do my best. I know my limits, and I know you always have to go beyond them, but I'm not going to pretend something I'm not.

2. Well, I've always paved my own path. If I fail, I want to fail by my own mistakes, rather than succeeding by the favor of others. This doesn't mean I don't take advice or accept help from my friends; I do listen to those dear to me. What I'm saying is that, in a world in which most people like to take the easy road, I want to walk that path of which most are afraid of.

3. Eeeh...well, when I was younger, I set the goal of achieving the highest score in every single class.

4. Losing weight.

5. It does help, you learn from your mistakes and it takes several "tries" to get to your goal.

6. Well, I focus one aspect at a time. I research and practice as much as I can. Having an organized schedule helps, but that depends on the person, since everyone has a unique working method suitable for them.

7. Sorry to say, but I don't have any advice, since I don't have multiple responsabilities :s Although, if I did had multiple responsabilites, I would finish the most demanding task first, and then move on with the creative work. The method I use for Uni is to finish all my reports/investigations/homework beforehand, and I use the free time before the due date to...well, write or relax

No disrespect to people that do those resolutions but I find that stupid. Life throws situations at you that teaches you more about yourself. How do you know what you must change at the beginning of the year when you haven't noticed some things about yourself? People should work on themselves all year long, catch themselves about to do something that they want changed and decide not to do it. There's a perfect quote that goes, "self control is knowing you can but deciding you won't"

The reason new year resolutions don't work for many people is because it feels like they are forced to do those things. The best way to achieve it is by creating a visualization board. Humans (especially guys) are visual creatures that get inspired by what they see. Cut out/print out images of things that inspire you to lose weight/eat healthy/make more art/etc. then you'll be inspired to do the things needed to get to the place you wish to be.

Stop making forced lists and start inspiring yourself. It's the only way to true motivation!

1.Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?I do, but I try to make them something I can achieve. I know my limits.

2.Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?I think it makes it more memorable.

4.What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?Hmm, it use to be to get straight A's for a term, but I did that in high school, and then in college. Don't really have one now, because I don't set unrealistic goals for myself.

5.Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?YES! Failure is there to learn from. So going back to the project/situation can never hurt!

6.Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?Try, try, try, and keep trying. Ask for advice when stuck. Look up different ways to do something. And keep trying!

7.More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?As a student I find I'm often busy with school work, and might not have time to draw/paint. So I do a project in parts. The initial sketch one day, the full outline the next, and also break coloring it up. This way I'm not taking away from school work, but I'm not ignoring my art. Plus, it is a good way to relax.

1. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?I used to, but I ended up putting the idea to the bin. I don't make them anymore because it seems hard to go back and fulfill them. I end up making them mid-year.

2. Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?It usually depends on what's achieved. But most of the time, their help makes it more memorable. The only thing I focus on is that it was achieved, and that's that.

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?To spend my birthday with my best friends. It's always been celebrated with my family.

5. Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?Yes! In the end, you'll feel relieved you did it. As long as it is done in the end, every attempt will be worth it.

6. Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?Hmm. . .discipline in terms of art?I promise myself to work in different mediums of art and I focus on only 1 piece of art at a time, so as not to get overwhelmed with responsibilities.

7. More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors? I suggest you do more commissioning, then. Commissions make you feel like the art is half an obligation and half something to look forward to doing. Once you are used to doing art commissions, you will be quicker in making art, thus balancing the time for both work and recreation. Also, don't force your brain to think! if you have jobs to do, do them first. once you're done with work, let yourself rest and drift to your imagination.

Yay! New year!1. Yes, I do, but not really so much as resolutions for resolutions' sake, but more as a kind of time capsule for the next year, so I can see what I wanted a year ago and see how I've changed. So far, the goals haven't changed much over the years, but they're a bit different this year, as well as much easier.2. I think the achievement of a goal is an achievement, no matter how it's done. If you can get your friends in on it to support you and stuff, that's fantastic, and yeah, probably will make it more special, because you not only have that goal when you're done, but you have the memories of your friends cheering you on, as well as the friendship you might've lost or neglected while achieving (or failing) your goal otherwise.3. I think it's been to learn French. Or to become instantly cool (I've given up on that one entirely, instant or not).4. Probably, again, to learn French. That, and exercise every day (sooo not happening).5. I don't think one should give up, necessarily, but maybe break it up a bit more, or go a bit slower... but, eventually, if it's really that much of a lost cause or just not that important to you anymore, just drop it and find something else.6. I don't think my art has really gone past this same level in years, but that's because I'm kind of afraid to try things that I might fail at, and that's how you do it. Just try new things, techniques, doing things you might not necessarily do, or be good at (especially do things you're not good at! Failing is the first step to being awesome at something), and you'll definitely improve, and do it area by area, like, you're not so good at anatomy, work on that, really push yourself to try different angles, types of bodies, musculature, et cetera, and then, when you think you've got that down, work on something else, like colouring, or shading, or whatever (I'm speaking in drawing terms because that's all I know). But yeah, you can't just stick with what you're already good at (for me, that's faces), or you'll never improve, you gotta go out there, and fail, fail HARD.7. I think the best way to go is to do a little each day. I like those 30-day challenges myself, because you have one thing to draw (or whatever), with no guidelines or minimum, and you just do that for a month, and you get to flex your creative muscles consistently, once a day, so you don't fall out of practice or anything. Just little things, like that. Personally, I'm trying to keep a comic-journal, making one comic a day for the whole year, or more, because I was inspired by Ben Snakepit's "My Life in a Jugular Vein: Three More Years of Snakepit Comics", and I really want to get into making comics, but I didn't know where to start. I'm not saying it has to be a fancy comic, it can take under twenty minutes to pencil and ink it, and I'm done for the day. The trick is not to fall out of practicing, even for one day, because one day can turn into a whole string of days very quickly, especially when you're busy.Yeah! Happy 2013, dA!

1. No. I try to make set different goals and try to make improvements as I go along through the year.

2. I'm unsure. I don't think I've ever had a goal that included a combined effort, so I don't have any experience to say either way. But my guess is that I would feel happy about it, whether or I did it on my own, or had help from family and friends.

3. I can't remember. I used to make New Years resolutions when I was a teen...but now I don't remember any of them

4. Well, since I don't do the yearly resolution, I will say my goal that I haven't achieved yet would be to get a formal art education. I've been wanting that for years, but circumstances have prevented it. Right now, my focus needs to be on my son's college education. I have a feeling I will end up being one of the old folks you see strolling around the campus, earning my degree when I'm 70

5. I guess it depends on the cause, and whether any benefit was afforded to that cause despite of the failure.

6. I think the lack of discipline is one of my problems. I tend to be a procrastinator. I wish I knew some methods to bring some discipline to my work habits. I'd probably get a lot more accomplished.

7. I'd be the last person to offer advice on this...in fact, I need some of it myself